Event Details
Nice Jazz Fest 2026: The World's Oldest Jazz Festival Returns
From 23 to 25 July 2026, the Nice Jazz Fest transforms the heart of Nice into a vibrant stage for jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop and contemporary music. 18 live concerts across two iconic venues, three unforgettable evenings under the stars of the Côte d'Azur. As the world's oldest jazz festival, founded in 1948, the Nice Jazz Fest once again sets the standard in 2026: Sting opens the festival on 23 July, Busta Rhymes brings East Coast hip-hop energy on 24 July and Grammy-winning Lola Young closes the event on 25 July with her remarkable soul voice.
2026 Highlights
- Sting – 23 July, headliner of the opening night on the Masséna stage
- Busta Rhymes – 24 July, his only French date of the season
- Lola Young – 25 July, Grammy and Brit Award winner
- Biréli Lagrène, James Carter Quintet (Coltrane centenary tribute), Cymande, Obongjayar, Noga Erez, Nubiyan Twist, Mario Canonge Trio, Gabrielle Cavassa, Kassa Overall, Girlband! and more
- Two stages: main Masséna stage (standing, capacity 6,500) and the intimate Théâtre de Verdure in the Jardin Albert 1er (seated)
- Fest'Off: free concerts across the city from 18 to 26 July
- Festival village La Merenda with food and drink
Program by Evening
Thursday 23 July (doors 5:30 PM, first concert 7:15 PM): Sting closes the evening on the Masséna stage. Also performing are Gabrielle Cavassa, Naïka, Kassa Overall and Girlband! The Théâtre de Verdure hosts Biréli Lagrène and further jazz artists throughout the evening.
Friday 24 July (doors 6:00 PM, first concert 7:15 PM): Busta Rhymes headlines the Masséna stage, joined by Mario Canonge Trio, Nubiyan Twist, Cymande, Durand Bernarr and Noga Erez. The Théâtre de Verdure features more intimate jazz and soul performances.
Saturday 25 July (doors 6:00 PM, first concert 7:15 PM): Lola Young closes the 2026 festival on the main stage. Obongjayar and the James Carter Quintet with a tribute to Coltrane's centenary complete the evening.
Tickets & Prices
Single evening Thursday 23 July (Sting): €90 adult, €75 child (4-17 years) / reduced, free for children under 3. Single evening Friday 24 July or Saturday 25 July: €45 adult, €32 reduced. Two-day pass (Thursday/Friday or Thursday/Saturday): €125. Two-day pass (Friday/Saturday): €80. Three-day pass: €165. Reduced prices apply to students, seniors (65+), families (2 adults and at least 2 children) and people with reduced mobility. VIP packages with premium catering and priority access are also available. Tickets are on sale online via the official website.
Venues & Stages
The festival takes place across two locations in the heart of Nice. The main Masséna stage is a large standing-only area with a capacity of 6,500, surrounded by the iconic ochre-red buildings of the city centre. The Théâtre de Verdure in the Jardin Albert 1er offers an intimate open-air seated experience just a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais.
Visitor Tips
- On Thursday (Sting night) arrive early: doors open at 5:30 PM and queues build quickly for the opening evening.
- The Masséna stage is standing only; wear comfortable shoes or sandals.
- Bring an empty plastic bottle and refill it at the water stations on site.
- Your reusable Nice Jazz Fest cup from a previous year can be used again.
- Glass containers are not permitted on the festival grounds.
- Use the tram (stop: Masséna) to reach the venue; parking in the city centre is very limited.
- Book accommodation in Nice or along the Côte d'Azur well in advance.
- The Fest'Off programme offers free neighbourhood concerts from 18 to 26 July.
